Bhubaneswar, 05 March (H.S.): Pravati Parida, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, on Thursday launched the Go-Homestay Portal at LYFE Hotel to promote community-based tourism and support local entrepreneurs across the state.

The portal was unveiled during a state-level workshop on the Odisha Homestays Establishment Scheme–2025, aimed at familiarising stakeholders with the scheme’s guidelines and implementation process.

Addressing the gathering, Parida said homestays serve as gateways to Odisha’s rich culture, traditions and hospitality. She added that the portal will enhance transparency, accessibility and ease of doing business for individuals interested in setting up homestays. The initiative, she noted, will also help empower rural households, women and local entrepreneurs through tourism-driven development.

The workshop featured presentations on the scheme’s operational guidelines, a technical demonstration of the portal, and expert sessions by representatives from Homestays of India and Svanir Wilderness Homestay. Experienced homestay owners also shared best practices and success stories during panel discussions.

Among those present were Balwant Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Tourism Department; Deepankar Mohapatra, Director of Tourism; and Monica Priyadarshini, State Mission Director-cum-CEO of Odisha Livelihoods Mission, along with district officials, representatives of financial institutions, PRI members and homestay owners from across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda